Imagine this: You love the beefy, powerful sound of a humbucker guitar. But deep down, you crave that raw, gritty, and vocal tone that only a P90 pickup can deliver. It’s like wanting the best of both worlds! This is where the humble Humbucker Sized P90 steps onto the stage.
Many guitarists face a tough choice. They want that P90 magic, but their guitars are built for humbuckers. Swapping out pickups can be confusing, and finding the right Humbucker Sized P90 that truly captures the P90 spirit can feel like searching for a hidden treasure. You might worry about losing the humbucker’s power or not getting that authentic P90 bite.
But don’t worry! This guide is here to clear the fog. We’ll explore what makes these special pickups tick. You’ll learn how to pick the perfect Humbucker Sized P90 for your sound and your guitar. Get ready to unlock new sonic possibilities and make your guitar sing with a voice you’ve only dreamed of!
Our Top 5 Humbucker Sized P90 Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Humbucker Sized P90 Detailed Reviews
1. LAMSAM P90 Tone Pickups Set
Rating: 8.8/10
Upgrade your electric guitar’s sound with the LAMSAM P90 Tone Pickups Set. This set features humbucker-sized single-coil pickups, designed to fit into standard humbucker cavities. They bring a rich, smooth tone to your instrument, making them a fantastic choice for replacing your existing pickups or for building a new guitar.
What We Like:
- The Alnico V magnets deliver a strong, clear sound.
- The chrome-plated metal housing helps cut down on unwanted noise.
- You can easily adjust the height of each pole piece for custom sound shaping.
- The pole spacing is optimized for both bridge (50mm) and neck (48mm) positions.
- They offer a warm, smooth P90 tone in a humbucker-sized package.
- The package includes everything you need to get started: bridge and neck pickups, springs, and mounting screws.
What Could Be Improved:
- The DC resistance is listed as a reference, so exact values might vary slightly.
- The lead length for the bridge pickup is shorter than the neck pickup, which might require careful planning during installation.
This LAMSAM P90 pickup set is a solid option for guitarists looking for that classic P90 sound without modifying their guitar’s pickup routes. They provide a noticeable sonic improvement and are a good value for the quality they offer.
2. LYWSMSK Alnico 5 Magnet Humbucker Sized P90 Electric Guitar Pickups Neck & Bridge Pickups (Chrome)
Rating: 8.8/10
Are you looking to give your electric guitar a fresh sound? These LYWSMSK Alnico 5 Magnet Humbucker Sized P90 pickups might be just what you need. They are designed to fit into the space of a humbucker pickup but deliver the classic, punchy tone of a P90. This set includes both a neck and a bridge pickup, so you can upgrade your whole guitar. The chrome finish looks sharp on many different guitar styles.
What We Like:
- They offer a classic P90 sound with a bit more grit and bite.
- The Alnico 5 magnets provide a strong magnetic field, which helps with sustain and clarity.
- The humbucker size means they can easily replace your existing humbuckers without needing to modify your guitar.
- The chrome plated brass covers look stylish and are durable.
- The neck pickup has a resistance of 7.5K and inductance of 2.2H, giving you a warm and clear tone.
- The bridge pickup has a resistance of 8K and inductance of 2.65H, offering a bit more output and punch.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some players might prefer a wider range of resistance options for more tonal variety.
- The plastic bobbins are standard but could be seen as less premium than other materials by some guitarists.
These pickups are a solid choice for guitarists wanting to experiment with P90 tones in a humbucker-sized package. They offer a noticeable upgrade in sound for many guitars.
3. Metallor Humbucker Style Pickups Bridge and Neck Set for Les Paul P90 Style Electric Guitar. (CR)
Rating: 8.9/10
Are you looking to give your P90-style electric guitar a fresh sound? The Metallor Humbucker Style Pickups Bridge and Neck Set (CR) offers a fantastic way to upgrade or replace your existing pickups. This set includes both the bridge and neck pickups, along with all the necessary hardware for installation. They feature a ceramic bar magnet, which gives them a distinct tone.
What We Like:
- This set comes with both a bridge and a neck pickup.
- It includes all the hardware you need to install them.
- The ceramic bar magnet helps create a great sound.
- They sound awesome and are perfect for upgrading your guitar.
- They fit guitars that already use P90 style pickups.
- The resistance and inductance values are clearly listed for the bridge (8.0k; 4.5H) and neck (7.5k; 3.7H) pickups.
- The pole spacing is set at about 52mm for the bridge and 50mm for the neck, ensuring a good fit.
What Could Be Improved:
- More detailed installation instructions could be helpful for beginners.
- A wider variety of color options might appeal to more players.
This Metallor pickup set is a solid choice for anyone wanting to refresh their P90 guitar’s voice. They deliver a great sound and are a straightforward upgrade.
4. Artec SHA66C Alnico 5 Splendor P90 Style Humbucker Sized Single Coil Bridge Pickup 8.8K for Les Paul Style Electric Guitar
Rating: 8.7/10
Looking to give your Les Paul, SG, or ES-335 a sonic upgrade? The Artec SHA66C Alnico 5 Splendor pickup might be just what you need. This pickup fits into a humbucker-sized slot but delivers the character of a P90 single-coil. It’s designed for the bridge position, offering a sweet spot between a humbucker’s thickness and a traditional single-coil’s clarity. You’ll get a sound that’s full and rich without being muddy, and it won’t be too bright either. This means your clean tones will have great definition, and your crunchy riffs will really cut through.
What We Like:
- Offers a unique tone that bridges the gap between humbuckers and single-coils.
- Provides a thick, full sound with good mid-range definition.
- Works well for both clean and overdriven tones.
- Fits easily into humbucker-sized routes on guitars like Les Pauls, SGs, and ES-335s.
- Features Alnico 5 magnets for strong output and clear notes.
- The adjustable pole pieces let you fine-tune the string balance.
What Could Be Improved:
- The included mounting screws might not fit all guitars, so you may need to use your own.
- As it’s a single-coil, it might be more susceptible to hum than a humbucker.
This pickup offers a fantastic tonal option for guitarists seeking a versatile sound. It’s a great way to add some P90 flavor to guitars that usually take humbuckers.
5. LAMSAM P90 Tone Pickup
Rating: 9.4/10
The LAMSAM P90 Tone Pickup, Chrome-90VN, offers a unique sound for electric guitars. This pickup fits into a humbucker-sized cavity, giving you that classic P90 tone without needing to modify your guitar. It uses Alnico V magnets for a rich and smooth sound. The chrome housing helps cut down on unwanted noise. This pickup is a great option for guitarists looking for a new sound or replacing their existing pickups.
What We Like:
- It brings a rich and smooth P90 tone.
- It fits into standard humbucker pickup slots.
- The Alnico V magnets provide great sound quality.
- The chrome housing helps reduce hum.
- The pole pieces can be adjusted for better string balance.
- It comes with everything needed for installation, including springs and screws.
What Could Be Improved:
- The DC resistance is listed as a reference, which could be more precise for some players.
- The lead length, while specified, might be a tight fit for some guitar wiring jobs.
Overall, the LAMSAM P90 Tone Pickup is a solid choice for guitarists wanting to explore the P90 sound in a humbucker-sized package. It delivers good tone and is easy to install.
Choosing Your Next Sound: The Humbucker-Sized P90 Buyer’s Guide
So, you’re looking for a new pickup for your guitar. You love the big, fat sound of humbuckers, but you also crave the bite and clarity of a P90. What if you could have both? That’s where humbucker-sized P90s come in! These pickups fit into a standard humbucker route but deliver that classic P90 tone. Let’s dive into what makes a great humbucker-sized P90.
Key Features to Look For
1. Pickup Construction
Humbucker-sized P90s usually have two single coils wound together, just like a traditional P90. This is what gives them their unique sound. Some might have a metal cover, while others are “open.” Open pickups often sound a bit brighter and more aggressive. Covered ones can be a bit smoother.
2. Magnet Type
Most humbucker-sized P90s use Alnico magnets. Alnico 2 magnets tend to offer a warmer, sweeter tone. Alnico 5 magnets give you a brighter, punchier sound. Some high-end pickups might use ceramic magnets, which can offer a stronger output and a more modern tone.
3. Winding Style
The way the wire is wound around the bobbins affects the tone. Hand-wound pickups often have a more organic and nuanced sound. Machine-wound pickups are usually more consistent and affordable.
4. Output Level
Output refers to how loud the pickup is. Low-output pickups are great for clean tones and vintage sounds. High-output pickups are better for driving amps into distortion and for heavier music styles.
Important Materials
1. Magnet Wire
This is the copper wire wound around the magnets. The type and gauge (thickness) of the wire play a big role in the pickup’s tone. Plain enamel wire is common for vintage P90 sounds.
2. Magnets
As mentioned, Alnico (Alnico 2, 4, 5) and ceramic are the most common. The strength and type of magnet directly impact the pickup’s output and tonal character.
3. Bobbins
These are the plastic or fiber frames that hold the wire and magnets. The material can slightly influence the resonance and tone.
4. Covers
Metal covers (like nickel or chrome) can slightly dampen the high frequencies, making the tone warmer. Plastic covers are less common but might offer a brighter sound.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
1. Hand-Craftsmanship
Many players believe hand-wound pickups offer superior tone. The slight imperfections in hand-winding can add a unique character and responsiveness that machine winding may miss.
2. Quality of Materials
Using high-quality magnet wire and magnets makes a difference. Better materials often lead to a clearer, more articulate, and longer-lasting pickup.
3. Proper Assembly
How well the pickup is put together is crucial. Securely wound coils and well-mounted magnets contribute to a noise-free and consistent performance.
4. Shielding
Good shielding in the pickup and wiring helps reduce unwanted noise and hum, especially important for single-coil designs like P90s.
User Experience and Use Cases
1. Versatility
Humbucker-sized P90s are incredibly versatile. They can handle bluesy cleans, gritty rock tones, and even some heavier genres. They offer a great middle ground between the clarity of a single-coil and the power of a humbucker.
2. Sound Characteristics
Expect a fat, chewy midrange, a bright and articulate top end, and a strong, punchy attack. They have a vocal quality that makes them stand out.
3. Installation
The best part? They drop right into a standard humbucker route! This makes them an easy upgrade for many guitars without needing to modify the body.
4. Common Uses
Guitarists use them in all sorts of guitars, from Les Pauls and SGs to Stratocasters and Telecasters (with modification). They’re perfect for blues, rock, indie, punk, and even some jazz players.
Humbucker-Sized P90 FAQs
Q: What is a humbucker-sized P90?
A: It’s a pickup that fits into the space of a humbucker but sounds like a P90. It gives you a P90 tone in a humbucker size.
Q: Why would I want a humbucker-sized P90 instead of a regular P90?
A: You might want one if your guitar already has humbucker routes and you don’t want to modify the guitar to fit a standard P90.
Q: Do they sound exactly like a real P90?
A: They sound very close! Some might have slight differences due to their construction, but they capture the P90 spirit well.
Q: Are they noisy?
A: Traditional P90s can be a bit noisy because they are single coils. Humbucker-sized P90s can also have some hum, but good designs and shielding help reduce it.
Q: What kind of music are they good for?
A: They are great for blues, rock, indie, punk, and other genres that benefit from a punchy, clear tone.
Q: Can I mix them with other pickups?
A: Yes! You can often pair them with other P90s, humbuckers, or even Strat-style single coils to create unique sounds.
Q: Are they harder to install than regular humbuckers?
A: No, they are usually just as easy to install as regular humbuckers because they use the same mounting screws and dimensions.
Q: What’s the difference between an open-coil and a covered humbucker-sized P90?
A: Open-coil pickups tend to be a bit brighter and more aggressive. Covered ones can be a little warmer and smoother.
Q: Do different magnet types make a big difference?
A: Yes, Alnico 2 magnets are warmer, while Alnico 5 magnets are brighter. Ceramic magnets offer more output.
Q: Are hand-wound pickups worth the extra cost?
A: Many guitarists say yes! They often have a more dynamic and responsive sound that’s hard to replicate.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
Hi, I’m Robert Contreras, a passionate archery instructor based in the USA. With years of experience under my belt, I’ve dedicated my life to mastering the art of archery and sharing its intricacies with enthusiasts of all levels. Through my website, 10Bows.com, I invite you to explore a treasure trove of tips, techniques, and personal insights that reflect my journey in the world of archery. Whether you’re picking up a bow for the first time or refining your skills, I’m here to help guide you toward precision, focus, and a deeper appreciation for this timeless sport.